[HANASHIR:2751] Re: religious school graduation songs

[Adrian Durlester <durleste...>]

First, speaking as a professional keyboardist/organist, I am appalled at the
actions of your congregation's organist. I consider it highly unprofessional
and inappropriate.

Wearing my "music director" hat, I might discuss with the cantor or
cantorial soloist singing something in a key other than that which they
desire because in my professional opinion I thought it a better choice. But
I would discuss is. As the organist or accompanist, I would never presume to
do what your organist did.

However...it would be courteous to give the organist more than a few minutes
notice. Just to let them know you care and respect them.

Shma Bini is in "Craig Taubman's New Jewish Songs" songbook and on Craig's
recording "Journey."

Adrian



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org]On
Behalf Of Ellen Allard
Sent: Monday, April 19, 1999 9:46 AM
To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
Subject: [HANASHIR:2748] Re: religious school graduation songs


Hi all...Judy and anyone else who knows...is the Sh'ma Bini you speak of on
a
recording? Or is there written music available?

Also, am enrolled for the first time at Hava Nashira and am WICKED (as we
say
here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts) excited.

Anybody had this experience? I substitute songled at services last Friday
night. The rabbi told me that the organist, who played on some of the songs
(I
played guitar on most) was very versatile and could transpose and play any
key
I named. At the beginning of the service, I popped my head into the
organists'
room and asked her to play Shalom Aleichem in C Minor. She refused, saying
that it was too low and that G Minor always worked just fine. I was stunned
and there was not time to explain my preference. Thereafter, the few other
songs she played on were way above my range (and I believe the range of most
of the congregation). I felt like I was trying out for a part in an
opera...when I got to the last few high notes of the kiddush, I thought for
sure I would shatter any glass in the sanctuary! Of course, for the future I
will either request that I be allowed to accompany myself on everything (or
sing unaccompanied) or try to calmly talk with her prior to the service and
insist that my chosen keys be accepted.I'm sure certain cantors/songleaders
etc. can sing in the high keys she chose, but it was really difficult for
me. OY!

Take care and looking forward to seeing you at HN!

Ellen Allard


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